Only one life, ‘twill soon be past’

I have had the privilege of changing careers several times. While working in Christian ministry it was a privilege to disciple people who were in someway connected to the church and I found this very rewarding. 

Whenever I was employed in so called "secular work" I found the opportunities for ministry were to people who never went to church or who often had very little understanding of who Jesus really is and what He is all about. 

The challenge in the secular work place is to live authentically as a Jesus follower while under a microscope of scrutiny by fellow workers who often have false assumptions of what it means to be a Christ follower. It is sometimes difficult to portray the positive aspects of being a Christ follower when we don't desire to participate in the normal activities of the workplace. Many times the lunchroom talks and reports of weekend exploits are of little interest to us as Christ followers. Being seen as an outsider in the workplace can also lead to persecution or at least a very uncomfortable environment in which to work. 

In most places the secular work place is the cutting edge of Gospel advancement in a community. It is therefore critical that churches be training centers preparing Christ followers to reach and disciple their colleagues in secular workplaces.